#Singapore #Bitcoin #Ethereum #SGX Derivatives

SGX Derivatives Innovates with Perpetual Crypto Futures

In a groundbreaking move, SGX Derivatives is reshaping the landscape of institutional crypto trading with the introduction of perpetual futures for Bitcoin and Ethereum. This initiative marks a significant advancement in bringing the rigor and transparency of conventional financial markets into the ever-evolving world of digital assets, establishing a new benchmark for the industry.

Scheduled for launch on November 24, 2025, these innovative contracts will feature a continuous structure with no expiry date, catering to the growing demand for perpetual futures among crypto-focused communities. Coupled with the robust clearing and margining standards typically reserved for exchange-traded derivatives, this launch offers investors institutional-grade exposure to Bitcoin and Ethereum within a regulated framework.

A Significant Breakthrough for Crypto Markets

Perpetual futures have seen tremendous growth globally, boasting an average daily volume exceeding $187 billion, with Asia at the heart of this upswing. However, much of this trading still occurs on offshore platforms, bypassing the traditional market infrastructure. By introducing these futures on a recognized exchange, SGX empowers institutions to trade confidently and at scale, gaining substantial exposure to two of the leading cryptocurrencies.

Michael Syn, CEO of SGX Group, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “Digital assets have found their way into the portfolios of institutional investors. We've taken the next logical step by applying the same institutional discipline that underpins global markets to the most traded crypto payoff.” By anchoring the perpetual contracts within a regulated clearing framework, SGX aims to foster the confidence and scalability that institutional investors have been seeking.

The perpetual contracts will benchmark against the iEdge CoinDesk Crypto Indices, aligning pricing with institutional benchmarks well-recognized within the industry. As Andy Baehr, Head of Product Research at CoinDesk Indices, mentioned, “More than two-thirds of all crypto trading occurs in derivatives, and perpetual futures offer unique characteristics that have made them a favorite among traders. We are excited that SGX Derivatives is offering these contracts onshore with traditional margining and clearing.”

Expanding Institutional Access to Crypto Markets

This launch has garnered positive feedback from market participants who view it as a timely and strategic step towards broadening access to increasingly mainstream crypto markets. Leonard Hoh, Managing Director of Bitstamp by Robinhood in the Asia Pacific, remarked, “This launch reflects how market infrastructure and participation are evolving. It's exciting to see a Singapore-based benchmark that mirrors the liquidity we observe in Asia. This is a key step for institutions looking to trade at scale.”

Patrick Yeo, Head of Digital Assets at DBS Bank, commented on the advantages of crypto perpetuals, stating, “They provide institutional traders with more precision and capital efficiency in managing their digital asset portfolios compared to spot trading. Moreover, the clearing and margining of these derivatives according to the same standards as traditional instruments pave the way for broader acceptance, marking a new milestone in the maturation of the digital asset ecosystem.”

Joseph Chang, co-founder and CEO of Liquibit Capital, expressed enthusiasm for the law of perpetual crypto futures by SGX, indicating its importance in bringing regulated liquidity to the burgeoning Asian digital asset markets. He added, “Strong performances begin with robust risk management, and that’s precisely what SGX’s move stands for.”

CJ Fong, APAC General Manager of GSR, noted, “Institutional-level perpetual futures are a critical milestone in the evolution of crypto markets. By combining SGX's global credibility with crypto-based innovation, we are laying the groundwork for scaled and regulated participation in digital assets.”

A New Era for Market Liquidity

Gracie Lin, CEO of OKX Singapore, identified a growing demand for regionally anchored benchmarks, highlighting how institutions are integrating crypto exposure alongside other asset classes. She concluded, “This deeper reference point adds transparency and trust for institutional participants, supporting long-term growth within the ecosystem.” Melvin Deng, CEO of QCP, characterized SGX's entrance into perpetual futures as a defining moment for the Asian digital asset markets, noting the longstanding search among institutional players for a regulated platform that harmonizes traditional market familiarity with crypto innovation.

Lastly, Ramesh Arumugam, Managing Director of Asia Pacific at Virtu Financial, reaffirmed the importance of centrally cleared perpetual futures in cryptocurrencies, stating that they enhance market liquidity while drawing from existing daily streams, fundamentally boosting capacity and confidence among institutional counterparties.

For further information about SGX's perpetual crypto futures, please visit SGX Official Website.